On the Come Up with Kimberly Sanchez

Recording a podcast can feel like the big scary part, but I’ve learned it’s usually the easiest part. The real work happens after you stop recording: editing, pulling clips, writing captions, picking thumbnails, posting, and promoting while life still expects you to show up at your nine-to-five. In this solo episode, I share what podcasting looks like when you’re building something from scratch and trying to stay proud of the work ...

Filmmaker Jaylon Monroe shares his journey from a former college athlete at Tulane University to the NFL, before pivoting into filmmaking. In this episode, he talks about redefining his path, building his personal brand, and launching his short film The Other Side of the Street. Jaylon breaks down practical filmmaking advice and how he learned the craft through self-education while continuing to grow within the Dallas creative comm...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Rae’Shun to discuss growing a career in modeling from the ground up. We get into self-submissions, intentional networking, runway, building real confidence on set, and navigating different types of photoshoots from editorial to commercial. Rae'Shun shares insight on handling casting call rejection, strengthening your mindset, and protecting your privacy while staying authentic on social med...

We sit down with Starling Thomas to talk about how a childhood love of writing and an unexpected wrongful incarceration shaped her path as a filmmaker committed to healing and justice through story. She reflects on early creative sparks, learning on sets in Atlanta, and rebuilding her voice after prison, choosing to create survivor-centered work that prioritizes consent, care, and agency. We discuss her latest short and how she ble...

In this episode of On the Come Up, host Kimberly sits down with actor Aleshah Brown to discuss her path from starting in acting at a young age to booking commercials and a nationwide Cinemark spot. Aleshah shares how simplifying her self-tape setup, trusting her first instincts, and treating auditions as a place to play have transformed her confidence and results on camera. They get into a mindset, rejection as redirection, “bookin...

In this episode, we sit down with Jared, a filmmaker and the owner of an award-winning production company called Film Club Productions, to talk about his journey as a video producer and storyteller. Jared shares how he balances creative risk with consistency, building strong stories through honesty. We also delve into his next personal film, which centers on community, and explore how YouTube has helped him grow a loyal audience an...

In this podcast episode, multidisciplinary creative and creative director Mbazi shares insights from his 11-year journey working across photography, video, and creative direction, unpacking what it truly means to chase the vision and not the money. The conversation explores creative career growth, visual storytelling, the importance of structure, workflows, and navigating burnout, financial instability, and uncertainty without losi...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller Alana Marie as she shares the making of her Kinloch documentary, a 54-minute film about the rise and new hope for Missouri’s first Black city. We also dive into her latest film project, her all-women production team, and how she balances burnout, momentum, and multiple creative paths. This conversation is a grounded look at finishing meaningful work, trustin...

We sit with makeup artist Jess to unpack her transition into a polished studio suite, her signature dewy, camera-ready glow, and the real behind-the-scenes of building a beauty brand fueled by early alarms, long days, and nonstop business demands. Jess discusses leaving the corporate world behind to own her own space and fully trust her vision as an artist. She breaks down marketing moves that helped grow her brand and how partneri...

Today, we’re sitting down with Camilos Garden, who flew in from New York to Texas just to lock in for this episode. He discusses growing up in Queens, his Colombian heritage, early piano days, and how he developed a sound that seamlessly blends pop, hip-hop, and Latin influences in a way that’s entirely his own. We delve into the moments that propelled him forward, the mindset that drives him to create when challenges arise, his ap...

We’re hanging out with actor Michael J. Scott II to discuss his journey from college theatre to becoming a working actor. Michael keeps it real about his early challenges, the lessons that shaped him, and the purpose that keeps him grounded through it all. He shares his audition mindset, the story behind landing a Tiffany & Co. spot, and how staying consistent beats chasing perfection. We also dive into Texas’s growing film sce...

Step into the room with us... literally. We've just moved into Room to Speak Studios, and to kick things off, I sat down with music artist Gervatti, who turned early ideas into a steadily growing hip-hop journey. From his first uploads on SoundCloud, we discuss how he shaped his sound, developing a style that feels both introspective and energetic. Gervatti shares his creative process, from “punching in” to crafting visuals th...

Step into History Undressed, the creative world of writer and founder Haley Chow, where fashion meets the golden age of cinema. What began as a private diary of poems and costume sketches has evolved into a passionate community celebrating Old Hollywood style, film costume design, and the artistry of storytelling through clothes. In this intimate conversation, Haley opens up about finding poetry in movement, the legacy of icons lik...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Sierra, a third-generation model and actress with over 15 years in the industry. From her very first runway show to building a career in both modeling and acting, Sierra shares the lessons she’s learned about preparation, confidence, and resilience in competitive creative fields. She breaks down her process for photo shoots versus acting roles, the small professional habits that leave a big impre...

Fashion designer Kendu is back for another episode, diving deeper into his journey through the fashion industry. From a game-changing internship at Tommy Bahama that expanded his perspective, to growing his brand ArtIVPly, Kendu reveals what it’s really like behind the scenes at a major brand and how those lessons continue to shape his creative process. He shares the mindset that carried him through moments of doubt, the vision beh...

Kayla’s creative journey started at just nine years old with a Corn Pops commercial and evolved through acting, modeling, and directing. When her university eliminated its theater program, she refused to let the setback define her path. With no prior filmmaking experience and only an iPhone, she created a short film that won Best Film and Best Cinematography, making her the first woman at her school to receive these prestigious hon...

Kali Flower is back on On the Come Up—and this time, she’s bringing "Lost Girl Season" with her. Ten months after her first interview, the Hawaiian-born artist returns to share a deeply vulnerable project about transformation, loss, and stepping into the unknown. In this episode, Kali opens up about the in-between space where you’ve left behind your old self and are finding your way toward the person you’re destined to be...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Brianna, founder of The Social Chica—a vibrant women-focused business lounge and creative hub in Cedar Hill, Texas. She shares how a small favor turned into managing social media for nearly 30 businesses, eventually leading to the creation of a space that empowers women entrepreneurs and creatives. Two years later, The Social Chica has become more than just a business—it’s a community-driven mov...

In this episode of On the Come Up, pop-R&B artist Beysul shares how she balances a full-time career with her passion for music. From childhood performances to writing songs that reflect her mental health journey, Beysul opens up about staying true to herself while navigating the creative world. Her track “Live Again” stands out as a raw, emotional reflection of her battle with depression and anxiety. She also sheds light on the...